China men hope to hit ascendancy under new coach Michel van den Heuvel

With upcoming Asia Cup, the experienced Dutch coach starts a new challenge with the Chinese men's field hockey team

In July this year, the Chinese Hockey Association (CHA) made a strategic move to give the reins of their men’s team in the hands of coach Michel van den Heuvel after reportedly a call from the Chinese women’s team coach, Alyson Annan, went to the Dutchman.

Former Australia player Annan is regarded highly in the coaching circles. Along with fellow master tactician, Ric Charlesworth, she has turned China into a force in women’s hockey, which shows in their silver medal at the Paris Olympics. They are currently ranked fourth in the world.

It was on Annan’s recommendation that CHA agreed to look at the impressive resume of van den Heuvel and his appointment was announced on July 25.

Van den Heuvel coached the Netherlands’ men to a bronze medal at the 2010 World Cup, after which he became the Pakistan coach but had a turbulent time with them, eventually leaving the job in 2012. Later, he became Belgium’s assistant coach and went on to become their head coach.

Michel van den Heuvel - Photo by worldsportpics

Interestingly, one of the conditions of appointment put on the table by van den Heuvel was that he would continue to coach his Dutch club Bloemendaal.